Strengthening Argumentative Writing with Speaking and Listening (Socratic) Circles

This article shares the results of a classroom inquiry into Socratic Circles and their impact on written argument. Two questions were asked: 1) What is the nature of student talking and listening during Socratic Circles? 2) What are the effects of talking and listening circles on argumentative writing? The article describes the implementation, language, and effects of circles on writing argument. Engaging in Socratic Circles had little effect on students' ability to provide evidence to support claims. However, the exchange of different viewpoints led students to reconsider initial perspectives, consider counter-arguments, and formulate written rebuttals. In these ways, Socratic circles strengthened argumentative writing.